First-ever Vacatur Hearing for a Victim of Sex Trafficking in New Jersey

On Friday, June 19th, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and McCarter and English won the first-ever vacatur hearing for a victim of sex trafficking in New Jersey! VLJ’s client, MS, was forced into prostitution in 2002 when her trafficker tricked her into believing that he would help her regain custody of her son. For years she faced brutal violence before she was able to escape in 2004. Three years later, MS assisted federal prosecutors in their case against her trafficker, helping to send him to prison for 20 years. She has since regained custody of her son and is working hard to build a life for herself and her family. Having her New Jersey convictions vacated is a big step in helping her to move forward. This victory changes MS’s narrative so that she will no longer be treated as a criminal, but instead recognized as a victim. For more information about this case, please read our article in the Star Ledger by clicking here. For any questions about VLJ's Trafficking Victims Legal Assistance Project, please contact us at 973-645-1955

ARTS AND EATS FOR JUSTICE

NEW DATE! NEW LOCATION! Our Annual Gala is moving to NJPAC on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Please join us in honoring Prudential and VLJ Trustee David Bershad, for their commitment to pro bono legal services and VLJ’s vital clinics and programming. Your support for our Annual Gala enables VLJ to continue providing free legal resources to our community in need of representation and counsel. Please pledge your support!

If you filed a flood insurance (NFIP) claim after Superstorm Sandy, and you were not satisfied with the amount of money you received from your flood insurance company, you can request a review of your flood insurance claim through FEMA. VLJ, in collaboration with Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ), is hosting several clinics statewide which will cover the NFIP claims review process from start to finish and answer any questions you may have. Walk-ins are welcome; no need to register in advance. See current dates and locations (right). More clinic dates and locations will be added. Please call 1-844-308-2053 for up-to-date information.

Stay In The Know! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! Please enter your email to subscribe to our newsletters:

Watch Our Videos: Gala 2013 Awards

Mission Statement

VLJ seeks to improve the lives of economically-disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey by empowering them with tools, advice and pro bono representation with the goal of securing fair and equal treatment within the legal system.

501(c)(3) Info

VLJ is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation supported through generous gifts from law firms, corporations, foundations and individuals.